Creative breaks

If your idea of time out is to absorb yourself in learning a new skill or hobby then you’re in luck as the National Park has long been a magnet for talented artists and craftspeople who like nothing better than sharing their experience.

Where better to learn the art of painting seascapes and coastal scenes than in the beautiful fishing village of Staithes. Here Staithes Art School runs residential weekends for all abilities, from new artists to proficient painters.

Staying in the elegant Georgian maisonette above Staithes Gallery or in their newly restored apartments in the Wesleyan Chapel, spend your days honing those brush skills before eating together in the evening with a dinner prepared by award-winning chef Lisa Chapman.

Inspired by… our own gallery at The Moors National Park Centre near Danby, runs a packed programme of workshops and courses throughout the year.

Experience the healing powers of nature and work with local artists to create your own artwork inspired by the North York Moors. Gain a great appreciation of the natural world and the National Park by listening, seeing and creating with a programme that includes acrylic and watercolour workshops and art history days.

With the help of the beautiful landscape surrounding the gallery and the expertise of talented artists, your creativity can reach new levels, whether it’s producing a woven willow sculpture of a heron or hedgehog; reproducing natural finds such as leaves and twigs using wire and tin; or writing poems inspired by nature.

Set in its own tranquil grounds and just a short stroll from the beach at Sandsend sits Raithwaite Estate, a hotel that holds two-night creative breaks from spring until autumn.

Whether the focus is on textiles, jewellery making, photography or painting, these breaks are as much about having fun as they are picking up the tools of the trade. Plus there’s a chance to unwind, relax and recover in the hotel’s superb spa.